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Earth and Oceanographic Science

Roux Center for the Environment Directory

Rachel J. Beane

Affiliation: Earth and Oceanographic Science, Academic Affairs
Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Professor of Natural Sciences and Associate Dean for Faculty Recruitment and Student Advising

Prof. Beane is a geologist who interprets processes that have shaped our Earth. She has conducted mineral, volcanic, and tectonic research with grant funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and Bowdoin. Her approach is to use mineral compositions and textures to interpret solid earth processes using a combination of methods including field work, light microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (EBSD, CL, EDS, and BSE). She is a fellow of the Geological Society of America.

She enjoys teaching and mentoring undergraduate students at Bowdoin. She has been honored with the Bowdoin College Sydney B. Karofsky teaching prize for her “ability to impart knowledge, inspire enthusiasm, and stimulate intellectual curiosity.” And, she is recipient of the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT) Neil Miner teaching award for “exceptional contributions to the stimulation of interest in the Earth Sciences.”

Prof. Beane currently serves as the college's associate dean for Academic Affairs with a focus on faculty recruitment and the student advising program. During a previous term as associate dean (2016-20), she focused on faculty development and mentoring. In fall 2019, she also served as the acting director of the Baldwin Center for Learning and Teaching.  

She has lead national professional development workshops for science educators through the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT) and On the Cutting Edge, an NSF funded project focusing on faculty development. Her publication related to NAGT's Workshop for Early Career Geoscience Faculty, describes how more than 1,000 faculty members have attended this national workshop that employs a “whole faculty” approach to support the transition into academic careers and has been effective at promoting evidence-based teaching strategies and a community of practice.

Rachel Beane headshot

Education

  • PhD, Stanford University
  • BA, Williams College
Mailing Address:
6000 College Station
Brunswick, Maine 04011

GPS Address:
255 Maine Street
Brunswick, Maine 04011
(207) 725-3000